Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic and progressive disease usually diagnosed in childhood that causes mucus to become thick, dry, and sticky. The mucus builds up and clogs passages in many of the body's organs, but primarily the lungs and the pancreas. In the lungs, the mucus can lead to serious breathing problems and lung disease. In the pancreas, the mucus can lead to malnutrition and problems with growth and development. People with CF have an average life expectancy of about 32 years, although new treatments offer hope for longer and healthier lives. Learn more by visiting the CF Foundation. www.cff.org